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BARRY Longland is mayor for a second year after a council meeting on Thursday night.

With the support of Labor councillor Michael Armstrong, Greens councillor Katie Milne and independent Gary Bagnall, Cr Longland was able to defeat a challenge from former mayor Warren Polglase four votes to three.

"I would like to thank my colleagues for their support," Cr Longland said after the vote.

"I commit myself to work for the benefit of residents for the next year."

Cr Longland also mentioned some of the "highlights" that the council achieved in the previous 12 months, including completing another stage of the Jack Evan Boat Harbour and renovation of the Murwillumbah Museum.

Councillor Polglase said the Tweed council now had political interference.

"We have a challenge for the next term in council," Cr Polglase said.

"The commonwealth will have an influence and there are now two strong political sides (Labor, The Greens) in this council. It will be a challenge for this council to deal with."

When councillors were asked to take their seats councillors Armstrong, Bagnall and Milne sat to the left of the mayor, while Byrne, Polglase and Youngblutt sat to the right.

Their seating arrangement drew comment from a former state member of the Tweed, Don Beck, who was in the chamber for the vote.

"Democracy has taken place, there has been an election by the people and then an election by the councillors," Mr Beck said.

"But if they are going to work harmoniously then why are they sitting together? It should be one then one and so on."

Cr Armstrong was selected as the deputy mayor after defeating a challenge from Cr Youngblutt.